Court rules suspect's statements stand

Steamboat Springs  A Yampa man who allegedly made statements admitting he shot a man inside a mobile home can be used as evidence for an upcoming attempted murder trial.

After about a three-hour hearing Monday, 14th Judicial Judge Richard P. Doucette ruled Warren Dean Hillbolt's level of intoxication did not hinder his ability to understand his right to remain silent.

"From the evidence, it does appear he could comprehend what was being said and what was being asked of him," Doucette said. "He understood his rights and voluntarily waived them."

According to testimony given by Routt County Sheriff's Deputy Tony Weiss and Investigators Rachelle Redmond and Ken Klinger, Hillbolt voluntarily made statements admitting that he shot a 24-year-old man inside a Yampa mobile home the evening of Dec. 2.

Hillbolt, 34, faces charges of first-degree attempted murder and violent crime with the use of a deadly weapon.

Hillbolt appeared in court wearing an orange Routt County Jail uniform. His hands and feet were in restraints.

During the testimony by the various officers, Hillbolt often shook his head, especially when testimony was given about his level of intoxication.

Officers said Hillbolt was advised of his rights twice, once verbally and once in writing, when he was arrested. Both times Hillbolt waived his right to remain silent.

Hillbolt's attorney, Ron Smith, argued his client was too intoxicated to understand the advisements and argued the statements should not be allowed during the jury trial, which is set for Aug. 13.

Klinger said Hillbolt understood the advisement and decided to cooperate with authorities and tell what happened.

Smith is claiming his client shot Jared Williams at about 8:30 p.m. inside the Yampa trailer in self-defense.